Engine Oil preference

57219 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by senuxra, 5 mo ago

Pillar2004

Discussion Starter · Apr 10, 2012

I have a 1993 Ninja 250. Bike is essentially in new condition. I bought this bike 2 weeks ago, my first bike. Engine was rebuilt and the odometer reset 2300 miles ago. There doesn't seem to be any definite answer floating around out there so...

What kind of oil does everyone use in their bike? 10w-40 seems common. I live in the central Ohio area.

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tadster00

· #2 · Apr 11, 2012 (Edited)

seems like this forum is SUPER inactive. I just joined about a week ago..

Anyway, I first bought 10w-40, but then read that it may be the worst for our 250's (I own an '07). I read on ninja250.org(most amazing website ever for our bikes. It should become your best friend) that most people use Shell Rotella T6 full synthetic 5W-40. Apparently it's made for big farm equipment, but works great on the 250. Just put it in my bike about a week ago. Just letting you know what I use.
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Preferred_Brands

What type of oil you use may depend on where you live and the climates though. You should find a local forum of motorcyclists or ask a friend what kind they use.

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Pillar2004

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 11, 2012

Thanks for your input

Yes, I too have noticed this forum has very little going on. I found the 250.org two weeks ago, and yes I found much of it very helpful, even just on the history of each generation of bike. Thanks.

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DaBlue1

· #4 · Apr 11, 2012

Pillar2004 said:
...What kind of oil does everyone use in their bike? 10w-40 seems common.

So I don't get into a big oil debate, here's what the owner's manual recommends;

Recommended Engine Oil
Type: API SE, SF or SG
API SH, SJ or SL with JASO MA
Viscosity: SAE 10W - 40
Capacity: 1.3 L (1.4 US qt) (When filter is not removed)
1.6 L (1.7 US qt) (When filter is removed)

NOTE
○Although 10W-40 engine oil is the recommended oil
for most conditions, the oil viscosity may need to be
changed to accommodate atmospheric conditions in
your riding area.

What is also listed in a chart is 10w-30,10w-50, 20w-40 & 20w-50
What it does not list is 15w, which falls in between 10w & 20w

There are also alternative oils that meet the type requirement recommended by Kawasaki and recommended by many in the motorcycle community.
These are formulated so close to motorcycle oil that they meet the JASO certification requirement.

1. Castrol RX Super 15w40
2. Chevron Delo 400 15w40
3. Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15w40
4. Pennzoil Long-Life 15w40
5. Quaker State 4X4 Synthetic Blend 15w40
6. Shell Rotella-T6 15w40 (favorite among other motorcyclist who change oil frequently)
7. SuperTech 2000 (WalMart) 15w40
8. Valvoline All Fleet 15w40
9. Castrol Syntec Blend Truck and 4X4 15w40

You will be fine with 10w-40 if it is in the temp range you ride in. From what I've read, regular 10w-40 can shear down to 10w-30 in a short time while synthetics last longer.

As for me I ride longer distances at higher speeds more than the average rider. I'm also a little heavier too, so I use CASTROL Act>evo Semi-Synthetic 4-Stroke Motor Oil 20w 50 and change it frequently. Why? because the book says I can. Besides, it makes the bike ride smoother. Keep in mind the Ninja 250 is a high revving bike and any oil you put in it will breakdown. How fast, depends on your driving conditions.

Everybody has their own choice and reason for what they use. Kawasaki gave us very good options, that they know the bike can handle.

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Nouderstrwe

· #5 · Apr 26, 2014 (Edited)

thanks for the info guys. it'll really help me.

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blr250

· #6 · May 20, 2014

Castrol Power RS Racing 4T 10W-50 in my 2012 Ninja 250 :thumb -

http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/F...9005372F2/$File/Castrol_Power_RS_4T_06410.pdf

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Ghostt

· #7 · May 21, 2014

Shell Rotella full synthetic, available on Amazon, and any Wal-Mart for about $22.00 for a gallon, this will give you enough oil for 2 changes with a little bit left over. Be warned to stay away from any oil containing molybdenum or similar, due to the wet clutch these additives will cause slippage.

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gantt

· #8 · May 29, 2014

Ghostt said:
Shell Rotella full synthetic, available on Amazon, and any Wal-Mart for about $22.00 for a gallon, this will give you enough oil for 2 changes with a little bit left over. Be warned to stay away from any oil containing molybdenum or similar, due to the wet clutch these additives will cause slippage.

I generally buy it for $16 and some change.

sent from my fone.

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chrisw644

· #9 · Mar 14, 2017

no spark

I have a 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250. It was running fine then I took the gas tank off and painted it and put it back on the same way it came off now I have no spark to my plugs. I have put in new plugs gapped correct, new coils and new CDI box and checked all wires still nothing. can any body help? Thank you

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senuxra

· #10 · 5 mo ago

Mine is Ninja 250R 2012(Milage 75000KM), So far I have used SAE 10 W 40 Semi-Synthetic Engine oil, So can I switch the engine oil with 0 W 20 Fully Synthetic Oil?

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